Be Informed

Frequently Asked Questions - Operating Costs

FAQs -
Operating Costs

Why don't we just add more buses?

Expanding the existing system to meet future public transit needs with an all-bus rapid transit system would cost more in the long run than a combination bus-rail system. Operating costs for buses are much higher than for rail. The cost of operating bus systems is rising much faster than the cost of operating rail systems.

In addition, rail transit is more efficient than buses for high-volume passenger loads. Each four-car train can carry more than 800 passengers, the equivalent of more than ten buses. Moreover, an elevated rail system operates above our congested streets and highways and will deliver passengers to their destination on time every time, while buses get caught in traffic congestion, just like cars.